Manhattan's West Village neighborhood is home to Due West, a gastropub that serves up game-ready comfort food. Left to right: wings, cheese and pepperoni flatbread, barbecue rib sliders, caviar dip, and Baja fish tacos. Take inspiration and elevate your Super Bowl halftime spread with these dishes and whisky pairings. EVAN SUNG
The game—and the halftime show—get the majority of attention when it comes to the Super Bowl, but many of the millions of Americans also enjoy the spectacle because of the food. The big game could also be considered the Super Bowl of comfort classics. But this year, instead of pairing those dishes with beer, look to whisky—whose range of styles frames everything from wings to fish tacos with style and surprise.
To help you make the most of the possibilities, we enlisted the help of Vincent Bolognini, head bartender at Due West in New York’s famed West Village. It’s one of those neighborhood gems that offers a carefully prepared menu and sports-bar energy. And, of course, a terrific whisky selection. The ten pairings below, described by Bolognini—from wings to caviar dip—will make for a Super Bowl Sunday you’ll never forget.
Prince Edward Island Oysters and Highland Park 12 year old
Oysters from Prince Edward Island are small but meaty, with notes of nori and caramelized onion. Follow that sweet brininess with a sip of Highland Park's notes of black tea, wildflower honey, and a little spice, all nicely packed.
Tangy BBQ Rib Sliders and Eagle Rare 10 year old
The sweet, tangy barbecue sauce brushed over tender and mouthwatering ribs pairs best with a full-bodied bourbon. Eagle Rare fits the occasion perfectly with its rich flavors of buttered popcorn, tobacco, and burnt caramel.
Wings and Milam & Greene Port Cask Rye
Generously dressed in a fruity and spicy sauce, wings pair well with Milam & Greene rye, which is finished in port casks that share a similar flavor profile: rich with dark fruits, undertones of chocolate, and a long, warm finish.
Caviar Dip and Yamazaki 12 year old
For a more elevated Super Bowl dish, caviar dip has a bright, buttery richness that bursts in your mouth. To complement, pair it with 12 year old Yamazaki that finishes with sweet ginger, coconut, and a hint of butter. It’s decadent, delicious, and divine. Crab or onion dip also pair well with Yamazaki 12 year old.
Blistered Shishito Peppers and Suntory Toki
Sweet and slightly smoky, these peppers, served with sesame dipping sauce, are paired best with a light Japanese whisky like Toki, featuring light notes of green grapes, soft herbs, and grapefruit, with a subtle sweetness and spicy vanilla note.
Steak Tacos and Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye
There’s nothing better than a perfectly cooked steak nestled inside a corn tortilla and dressed with a smoky, fruity morita salsa that has some bright acidity from the charred tomatillos and fresh lime juice. This pairs well with Redwood Empire rye's spice, honey, and orange peel.
Fish Tacos and W.L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon
The juicy, tender pieces of beer-battered and fried fish are light and crisp and served with creamy coleslaw and zesty pico de gallo spooned over top. The Weller Reserve, delicate and calm, is a wheated bourbon that pairs seamlessly without overpowering.
Three Cheese and Pepperoni Flatbread and Whistle Pig Farmstock Rye
Featuring cheeses, spicy marinara, rich salami, and fresh basil, this flatbread is best enjoyed with a whiskey like Farmstock rye, that offers oak, toffee, and baking spices. Winter bliss.
Lobster Roll and Douglas Laing Old Particular 12 year old Mortlach
Warm, tender, and juicy lobster meat is brushed with butter, served in a toasted sesame roll, and topped with chives. Enjoy it with this Old Particular's flavors of toffee, lemon essence, nutmeg, and fudge.
Bacon Cheeseburger and High West Bourbon
There is nothing more comforting than a cheeseburger topped with applewood-smoked bacon. With such a classic American dish, pair this rich and earthy bourbon that is well-balanced with flavors of corn biscuits and nougat.
